Psalms 22:10
I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.
Original Language Analysis
עָ֭לֶיךָ
H5921
עָ֭לֶיךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָשְׁלַ֣כְתִּי
I was cast
H7993
הָשְׁלַ֣כְתִּי
I was cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
2 of 7
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
מִבֶּ֥טֶן
belly
H990
מִבֶּ֥טֶן
belly
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
4 of 7
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
אִ֝מִּ֗י
from my mother's
H517
אִ֝מִּ֗י
from my mother's
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
5 of 7
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Isaiah 49:1Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.Galatians 1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Historical Context
The metaphor of being 'cast' upon God evokes the practice of a mother placing her newborn upon a relative or midwife. Total vulnerability and trust characterized this moment, illustrating the believer's complete dependence on divine grace from birth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your dependence on God today mirror your dependence on Him at birth?
- What does God's claim on you from conception teach about the nature of saving faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'cast upon thee from the womb' (literally 'thrown upon you') emphasizes total dependence on God from life's first moment. 'Thou art my God from my mother's belly' affirms God's covenant relationship predates conscious faith. From a Reformed perspective, this supports the doctrines of election and covenant theology—God's choice and claim precede human response. Infant baptism advocates cite this verse to show covenant children are claimed by God before exercising personal faith.